Danone Recalls Infant Milk Products Across Europe Amid Contamination Crisis, Losses Exceed €50 Billion

Europe – Danone is facing a massive recall of its infant milk products across Europe, as authorities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands join a wave of countries withdrawing affected batches. The French group’s exposure to the contamination crisis continues to expand.

Food safety authorities reported that certain Aptamil and Cow & Gate product lines are being removed from shelves in the UK and Ireland. In the Netherlands, Nutrilon products are also being recalled due to concerns over contamination with the toxin cereulide.

Expanding European Recall

The recent developments follow earlier recalls announced on Thursday in Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland, totaling hundreds of batches. Recalls are also underway in Romania, Hungary, and Poland, according to AFP.

Danone shares fell as much as 4% in Paris on Friday, adding to a 6.5% decline since the start of 2026. Analysts warn this is the company’s largest infant milk recall to date and could result in financial losses far exceeding the initially estimated €50 million. Duncan Fox of Bloomberg Intelligence noted that the total cost of the recalls may “significantly surpass” early projections.

“The damage to Danone’s reputation in the UK may be more significant than financial, if consumers choose to switch brands,” Fox added.

Crisis Impacts Other Companies

The global contamination crisis has also affected Nestlé and Groupe Lactalis, with further product recalls expected following updated European food safety recommendations for lower toxin levels.

Danone initially began recalling selected product batches in mid-January, starting in Singapore. Broader recalls followed after Irish authorities updated their toxin guidelines. The company stated that it initiated “precautionary recalls of specific batches on 23 January and implemented additional raw material checks,” without specifying the latest European withdrawals.

The contamination has been traced to arachidonic acid oil, a common ingredient in infant formula. While no company has officially named the source, the supplier has been identified as Cabio Biotech Wuhan Co.

Global Impact and Health Concerns

Nestlé first identified potential cereulide contamination— a toxin causing vomiting and diarrhea— and notified retailers in December. More than 60 countries have issued recalls, while French authorities are investigating a possible link between Nestlé’s Guigoz formula and the deaths of two infants. In the UK, 36 infants may have fallen ill after consuming contaminated products, though no deaths have been reported.

Despite strict regulation of the infant formula market, repeated contamination incidents, factory shutdowns, and supply chain disruptions in recent years have affected availability, including the 2022 shortage in the U.S. linked to Abbott Laboratories. U.S. authorities plan to test milk ingredients in a wide range of infant formulas for potential bacterial risks, following last year’s ByHeart recall associated with 51 hospitalizations.

Summary:
Danone’s largest-ever infant milk recall spreads across Europe amid contamination concerns, affecting multiple countries and raising potential financial losses above €50 billion. The crisis has highlighted broader global risks in the infant formula industry, prompting regulators and companies to strengthen safety measures and testing.